CMS teacher connects to students with special handshakes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Most teachers start their day off with attendance, but a local teacher has found his own unique way to connect with students before they enter Room 219.Barry White Junior teaches fifth-grade literacy at Ashley Park PreK-8 School.The Title I school encourages teachers to find creative ways to engage with students. But before Mr. White incorporates “vocabulary shootout” and shoe-tapping songs into his curriculum, he tries to connect with each of his students.“The most critical component is the relationship, the rapport you build with your students because sometimes it can go underrated or overlooked,” White says. “Before I’m able to deliver a substantial amount of content to them, they have to invest in the teacher.” White says he wants his students to be excited about school. In an effort to bring joy and build trust, White began creating individual handshakes with students.The idea came to the Cleveland Cavalier’s fan …READ MORE ON WCNC.COM